Beach Volleyball

Had my final injection of cycle 3 yesterday and now looking forward to ten days off treatment. My consultant popped in for a brief review and continues to be happy with the progress being made, with all my vital blood counts holding up well to the treatment. Next major milestone will be the paraprotein count at the start of cycle 4. We're hoping for a figure around 12 or below at that stage, representing half my level at the start of the chemotherapy. That would provide a positive indicator that the Velcade is continuing to reduce the myeloma cells, so figures crossed on that one.

So, if drugs and positive attitude can't get me below that level, the Russian ladies beach volleyball team stand a very good chance of doing the trick. I was very fortunate to be given two tickets for the beach volleyball from some good friends of mine (so, so appreciated), who thought a bit of bikini therapy might just tip the balance, and who was I to disagree with such logical, insightful thinking. What a great night it was, fantastic atmosphere, Benny Hill theme tune blasting out over the loud speakers (you wouldn't get that at the Velodrome), with the London skyline providing the perfect backdrop.

Now clearly I'm not going the lower the tone of this blog by including some cheap photos of exposed athletic flesh.......so here it goes:

.....but only the one......oh, and this one, on full zoom in case the above missed clarity (I was obviously trying to work out who the No.1 Russian player was...nothing more sinister).

....and to save the day and redress the balance, the USA mens team complete with goaties.

 and thigh!!

To add the final touches to my Olympic experience, I decided not to sit in traffic for 8 hours in an attempt to get to work and, having taken a days leave, took a walk into into Kingston to watch the mens time trails. Great atmosphere again, loads of people out in support, got to see Wiggo and Froome, no Benny Hill theme tunes, nor exposure of thigh, but many prominant veins on riders forearms was noted. Clearly they'd been doing a bit of preparation on the treadmill for this competition!!

Finally, I like to think this blog can also offer a bit of worldly advise. So, having just phoned some companies to get travel insurance quotes, here's a wise word from your Uncle Patrick. If you're thinking of going on holiday, do so before you decide to pick up a incurable cancer.....the premiums are a shock to the system and appear to cover the full list price of the aircraft, not just the flight!!